Ann Marie Fandry (Levesque Halttunen)

On Jan. 21, 2015, at the age of 86, surrounded by her family, Ann passed away of natural causes while living at Hunters Glen in Missoula. Her body had just worn down because for the past 37 years she had fought and won the battle against breast cancer.

Ann Marie Levesque was born in Missoula on July 26, 1928, to Irene and Leona (Cyr) Levesque. The last of five siblings, she was raised in Milltown, where her mother was a homemaker and her father was the town barber. She graduated from Missoula County High School in 1946 and immediately began work as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell, where she worked for many years.

In August 1950, Ann married Paul Alfred Halttunen. Together they raised four children until Paul's death in 1967. During this time, she continued working at the telephone company until later changing careers and became a cashier at the local Buttrey Food stores.

In 1968, she met and married the love of her life, Donald Dean Fandry. The family relocated to Bowie, Maryland, when Don's work for the U.S. Forest Service transferred him to Washington, D.C. Ann and Don eventually relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and then retired to Hamilton, where they built their dream home together. Throughout their marriage, Ann and Don enjoyed traveling the world and many ocean cruises. When Don passed away in 1990, Ann settled back in Missoula to be closer to family. She lived independently the rest of her life.

Ann had many interests and many friends. She was an accomplished bowler throughout her life, bowling on leagues up to just a few years before her death. She was an excellent cook who loved to entertain and enjoy laughing with friends and family. In her later years, she spent countless hours knitting baby blankets, booties, hats and all sorts of crafty items. She knitted many stuffed animals and teddy bears that she donated to hospitals, fire and police departments to comfort children in need.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brothers, Eldon, Ivan and Rene Levesque; and sister, Eileen Liness. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Mae Levesque, Alberton; four children, Paul (Norma) Halttunen, Liberty Lake, Washington; Kurt Halttunen, Missoula; Matt (Mara) Halttunen, Alberton; and Diane Abrams, Missoula; seven grandchildren, Tanna Hall, John and Jason Halttunen, Karli Rothing and Kyle Halttunen, Erin McKinney-Ellison and Ashley Morris; and six great-grandchildren, Brooke and Kevin Hall; Abigail, Esme, Jack and Laila Halttunen.

At Ann's request, no services will be held. The family would especially like to thank the staff at Hunters Glen and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their care and comfort during Ann's final days.
Read Ann Fandry's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.